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The Kardashians and Jenners don't let just anyone touch their faces, hair, and bodies. Over the years, Kim, Khloe, Kourtney, Kris, Kendall, and Kylie have expanded their inner circle to include an elite group of on-call celebrity stylists and trainers that travel with the famous family, keeping them flawlessly groomed and toned wherever they go. One of these chosen ones is Scotty Cunha, a sassy hairstylist at famed LA salon Andy Lecompte whose infectious energy is just as renowned as his killer cuts.
We sat down with Cunha to learn more about his whirlwind career, his favorite shoot ever (it involve a Jenner), and the products that every hairstyling hopeful needs in their kit.
How long have you been a hairstylist?
I've been doing hair for 12 years now! It's crazy. I didn't want to go to college because I hated high school and academics. I was basically in summer school my entire life, but I was very artistic and knew I needed to do something with my hands. At first, I thought I would do makeup because I love to draw. While I was looking for makeup schools, Paul Mitchell had just opened near me in Costa Mesa, so I went there to find out what it was all about. I was going to go to aesthetician school and do facials, but walking around the quiet zen room and doing facials seemed so boring and I knew I needed to be able to talk and be loud.
Tell us more about your career path.
The owner of that aesthetician school told me to try cosmetology because I could learn a little bit about makeup, hair, and nails. I signed up that day and started a week later. It was amazing and I loved it and I knew that I could move to a big city and do hair! Of course, I chose LA because I wanted to do "celebrities" and be "famous." [Laughs] So, I moved to LA, dropped off my resume at every single salon, waited to get my hair license, and worked at Starbucks. Always be nice to your barista! It was honestly the hardest job I've ever had. It's so labor intensive and people are so serious about their coffee!
Eventually, I got a job at Jonathan Antin's salon in Beverly Hills and was even on his Bravo show, Blowout. I assisted him for four years. My career really changed when I started working at Andy Lecompte in West Hollywood. My first major job was going on tour with Miley Cyrus. Then I got my agent and met all my other clients like Lucy Hale Kristin Cavalari, and the Kardashian and Jenner girls!
How did you start working with the Kardashians and Jenners, and what has the experience been like?
My first job ever was with Kourtney Kardashian for this random magazine cover that no one knew about. Then, I did Kim for the Sears lingerie campaign! After that they asked me to do them for their show, Keeping Up with the Kardashian. I've been working with them for about six years now and I honestly consider them my family. I am so lucky!
What is the best shoot you've ever been on?
My favorite shoot so far is the one I did for Terry Richardson with Kylie Jenner for the cover of Galore magazine! The editors of the magazine and the stylist were so cool and so fun! I'm obsessed with Terry Richardson and Kylie obvi, so it was a major moment in my life.
What is your signature hair aesthetic?
Undone, effortless, and chic.
What is you #1 tip for keeping hair fresh and vibrant in humidity?
Work with your hair texture and when it doubt, topknot it!
What hair products and tools are always in your styling kit?
GHD curve curling iron [$199], GHD platinum flat iron [$249], Leoner Greyl "Eclat Naturel" styling cream [$46], Oribe dry texturizing spray [$44], Rodin hair oil [$70], Bumble and Bumble thickening spray [$29], and rose water.
What Instagram accounts are your currently obsessed with?
I'm obsessed with Claudia Oshry (@girlwithnojob) because she is so fucking funny and one of my friends! Also, @cesar4styles—his hair aesthetic is so effortless and chic and so beautiful; every hairstyle he does I live for. @maneaddicts because they are cool, fun, and have great inspiration without being cheesy. The girls put so much work into their Insta, and you can tell. And obviously last but not least, @scotchella! I never thought I would have a fan page but I do and I love it.
Amazing. Do you have any fun projects coming up?
I have a hat and scarf line with Streddo; it's amazing to be creative and artistic, and not just with hair! It's so fun to use my creativity and design something that I love to wear. Also, I'm working on my blow dry kit! It's coming so soon and it's going to be so amazing.